The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) will organise an annual forum on preserving the Mekong River Delta’s natural resources as part of efforts to ensure sustainable development.
"Most important rivers around the world have already had their own forums to share information and increase co-operation between involved organisations and countries," said Hoang Viet, WWF’s expert on freshwater preservation.
"We are very pleased to see our initiative is actively supported by local authorities, scientists and environment specialists," he added.
The first forum is planned to be held in Can Tho on World Environment Day on June 5 to discuss environmental and social issues in the delta. The forum will try to find feasible ways to increase the living standards of local residents while protecting the environment and preserving local cultures.
"We call for more contributions from everybody, including authorities, law makers, scientists, national parks managers, local residents as well as individuals and organisations who care about the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta," Hoang Viet added.
The delta is a home to 17 million inhabitants in a total land area of 3.9 million ha, along with a dense network of rivers and canals.
The region has a very important role in preserving both biological diversity and spiritual culture.
At present, the development process poses a serious threat to biological diversity and the environment in the region. The rapid pace of urbanisation has upset the natural ecological system and let seawater encroach deeply into the land.
At the same time, work on natural preservation and efficient use of natural resources has been very limited.
The forum aims to promote participation of all involved parties in the decision making process on managing and preserving natural resources in the region.